The Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi has felicitated with the Visitor to the Institution, Siminalayi Fubara, just as 5,601 students kickstarted their tertiary education journey at there.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi extended the felicitation on behalf of the various arms of the University during its 44th Matriculation Ceremony on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Welcoming the matriculating students into the Institution, he stated that out of the 9,549 students who got provisional admission to the University through the Unified Tertiary matriculation Examinations (UTME), only 5,601 were matriculated, while a total of 8,448 students have accepted the admission on the school’s portal.
The Vice Chancellor reminded the matriculating students that they now belong to a community of scholars where knowledge for excellence and creativity thrives, admonishing them to secure their place through hardwork and determination.
“You now belong to a community of scholars known for academic excellence, innovation and character; tertiary university life is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about developing discipline, integrity and leadership.”
He further encouraged the students to embrace opportunities available to them in the institution, warning against any form of malpractices as anyone found culpable will face the penalty.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi appreciated parents and sponsors of the students, for entrusting their wards into the care of the university’s management, promising to groom them properly while admonishing the academic staff members to do everything possible to nurture the young minds.
“We’re not only tasked with imparting knowledge but also with shaping the minds and characters of the next generation of leaders, innovation and change makers.”
Responding, one of the matriculating students, Aleruchi Fruitful, who is of the College of Medical Sciences, expressed her joy, while appreciating her parents for their support, asserting that “I’m promising my parents that I’ll be Dr. Aleruchi Fruitful in 6 years”.
“I want to encourage people who are looking for this opportunity. When you finally get it, please use it wisely, read your books because it’s not going to be easy.”